Daily Catholic Lectio. Wed, 14 May ’25. He was added to

Daily Catholic Lectio

Wed, 14 May ‘25

Fourth Week of Easter – Wednesday

Saint Matthias, Feast

Acts 1:15–17, 20–26. John 15:9–17

He was added to

The name Matthias means “gift of God” or “one given by God.” After the death of Judas Iscariot, the early Church found itself needing to restore the group of twelve apostles. Two candidates were proposed—Barsabbas and Matthias—and through the casting of lots, a form of divine discernment rooted in Jewish tradition, the lot fell to Matthias.

Casting lots, or drawing divine lots, was a customary way among the Jews to discern the will of God. The high priest would use sacred lots called Urim and Thummim to make decisions, especially before going into battle. Thus, the early Christian community turned to this practice to discover whom God had chosen.

Restoring the Twelve

Why did the apostles feel the need to replace Judas?

The number twelve held deep theological and symbolic meaning, rooted in the twelve tribes of Israel, the descendants of Jacob’s twelve sons. Though Joseph, one of the twelve sons, was sold by his brothers, his name is not preserved as a tribe—instead, his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh formed two tribes, maintaining the number twelve. The tribe of Levi, set aside for priestly duties, was counted differently.

The apostles, wanting to preserve their link to the roots of Israel and recognizing Jesus’ deliberate choice of twelve, sought to maintain that symbolic integrity. Thus, when Judas’ place was left vacant, they felt it important to fill it.

Later, Paul would join the apostolic ranks through a special call from the Risen Christ, calling himself “the apostle to the Gentiles.” At times, Barnabas too is listed among the apostles.

But on this feast day, St. Matthias stands as the twelfth, chosen not by personal claim or vision, but through community discernment and divine confirmation.

Who Was Matthias?

The Gospels do not mention Matthias by name. However, the Acts of the Apostles tells us that he had been a companion of Jesus and the apostles from the time of John the Baptist’s ministry until Jesus’ ascension. This long companionship was one of the criteria for his selection.

Early Christian writings mention various possibilities about him: Eusebius refers to Matthias as also being known as Tolmai. Clement of Alexandria suggests he may be the same as Zacchaeus. Other traditions identify him with Barnabas.

Regarding his later ministry and death: One account says he evangelized in Cappadocia and died there. Another claims he preached to cannibalistic tribes and was stoned to death. A third says he served in Jerusalem and died peacefully in old age.

What does this Feast Say to Us Today?

St. Matthias represents each one of us. He reminds us that every disciple can become an apostle. Though not originally among the Twelve, though not handpicked by Jesus during His earthly ministry, Matthias was still called, affirmed, and sent.

The Church chose him—and God ratified that choice.

His selection shows that we don’t need to have extraordinary visions or titles. We simply need to be faithful. It also reminds us that being chosen isn’t everything—being ready is. Matthias’ name was drawn, but his heart had already been prepared.

In his elevation from follower to friend, from disciple to apostle, we see the power of God’s grace transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

A Final Word

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (John 15:16).

Today, like Matthias, we are invited to: (a) Be open to God’s call; Remain faithful to Christ’s community; and (c) And allow our “lot” in life to become our “mission” in life.

Let us remember: being chosen is grace; becoming worthy is our response.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy